← Visa Photo Sizes by Country — Requirements & Crop Tool
Schengen Area visa — photo requirements
413×531 px · 71–80% · white or light · JPEG
Click or drop your photo
JPG / PNG · processed on your device only
Background replacement only — facial features are never altered. Some authorities (US State Dept, UK HMPO, Canada IRCC) require unedited photos; check your destination's rules and prefer a real plain background when possible.
Align the top of the head between the guide lines (71–80% of the frame).
Requirements at a glance
| Size in pixels | 413 × 531 px (300 DPI) |
|---|---|
| Head height | 71–80% |
| Background | white or light |
| Format | JPEG |
| Checked | 2026-10-26 · Official source ↗ |
All Schengen consulates follow the ICAO 35 x 45 mm standard. The head must occupy 32-36
mm, which is 71-80 percent of the frame - the strictest face-filling ratio of the common
formats. Photos must be recent (under six months), taken face-on, with a plain light
background and no uniform. Individual member states such as France and Germany publish
their own checklists but accept this common format. The 71-80 percent face ratio is
tighter than it sounds: place your eyes on an imaginary line one third from the top of
the frame and the chin will usually land correctly. Do not tilt your head; consulates in
France, Italy and Spain reject rotated faces even by a few degrees. Shots must show the
full neck and the top of both shoulders - a necktie or open collar helps separate the
face from the background. Schengen counters commonly reject photos where eyeglass frames
intersect the eyes, so take them off unless prescribed. The photo must be less than six
months old and reflect your current appearance; a cropped older portrait is the classic
rejection. If applying through a visa centre such as TLScontact or BLS, bring two
identical printed copies in addition to any digital upload.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Schengen countries use the same photo size?
Yes, 35 x 45 mm. Where they differ in practice is acceptance tolerance for smiles and eyeglass reflections, so aim for a neutral expression.
Why must the head be so large in the frame?
ICAO biometric matching needs a face height of 32-36 mm to compare landmark points reliably.
Can I wear hijab or a turban?
Religious head coverings are allowed if the full face is visible from chin to crown and no shadow falls on the face.